Pinpoint Red Dots on Your Skin, This Could Be Petechiae

Have you ever noticed pinpoint red dots on your skin and mistaken it for allergic reactions? Or maybe you assumed it was a rash from an insect bite? Besides allergies, these dots can be a sign of Petechiae rashes. Although, most skin conditions are harmless, if neglected they can become a nuisance and even life threatening.

But what is Petechiae and what are its symptoms? Let’s find out in this guide!

What is Petechiae?Or Petechial Hemorrhage

Petechiae rashes are pinpoint red dots on skin that usually appear on arms, stomach, legs (referred as petechiael hemorrhage) and buttocks. They can also erupt inside the individual’s mouth and on the eyelids.

Most patients often misunderstand Petechiae rash as an ordinary rash due to the strong likeness. However, the skin condition is actually caused by bleeding under the skin. One of the best ways to tell the difference between Petechiae rash is to squeeze the spots. Petechiae won’t lose color when you press them whereas an ordinary rash will become pale.

What causes Petechiae Rahes?

Petechiae occur when the tiny blood vessels of the skin called capillaries break open. As a result, the blood leaks into the skin causing the skin condition.

A number of factors can cause the blood to leak. This includes:

Sunburn

Injury to the skin

Reaction to mosquito/insect bite

Viral fevers such as dengue, Ebola, and yellow fever

A low blood platelet level

Leukemia

Scurvy (low vitamin C)

Blood infection such as Sepsis

Too much straining as a result of physical trauma. The trauma can be caused by several factors including excessive coughing, crying, vomiting, and lifting weights

Petechiae can also form as a side effect from certain medications. These medications include anti-depressants, antibiotics, blood thinners, sedatives, and anti-seizure drugs.

Pictures of Petechiae

Beside Pinpoint Red Dots on Skin, Other Symptoms of Petechiae Rashes

The pinpoint red dots on skin are the primary symptom of Petechiae rashes. However, the skin condition is often a sign of an underlying ailment so it is a good idea to assess the spots and note down any changes in its features.

Some other symptoms that a patient may experience alongside the pinpoint red dots on skin include:

Easily bleeding or bruising skin

Heavy menstrual bleeding

Bleeding gums

Nosebleed

Joint Petechiae hemorrhage

Collection of clotted blood under the skin

When to consult a doctor?

As mentioned above, Petechiae rashes can be an indication of something serious. This is why it is important that you consult a skin specialist or a general physician if the tiny, pinpoint red dots don’t go away within a few days.

Moreover, it is vital that you visit your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms along with the skin rash.

High fever

Dizziness

Fainting

A severe headache

Extreme bleeding from any part of the body

Confusion

In case any of the above symptoms appear, we suggest that you immediately contact your health care practitioner or visit the nearby Emergency room.

Treating Petechiae Rashes

Petechiae usually fade away on its own especially if it occurs due to viral infection. Moreover, if the red spots appear as a result from taking certain medications, you will notice them diminishing once you stop taking the specific drug.

On the other hand, if the spots change in color, quantity, or size – you might have a bleeding disorder that requires immediate medical attention.

For the treatment of Petechiae, doctors usually prescribe:

Plenty of rest

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as Advil and Tylenol

Increased intake of liquids in diet

The doctor may also try to identify what is causing Petechiae and suggest medicines to treat the issue from its root cause. These medicines may include:

Antibiotics

Corticosteroids to lessen inflammation

Medications that suppress the immune system

Chemotherapy for patients with history of cancer

Can Petechiae cause any health problems in the patients?

Majority of Petechiae rahes goes away on its own and leaves zero scars. However, if the Petechiae is a result of some underlying medical conditions, some health ailments can occur.

This includes:

Infections

Heart problems

And damage to the organs such as kidney, liver, lungs, and spleen

Is there a way to prevent Petechiae hemorrhage?

The best possible way to prevent Petechiae hemorrhage is to avoid the conditions that may cause it. Nevertheless, it is not possible to avoid all health symptoms but you can prevent infections that cause Petechiae by:

Washing hands with warm and soapy water several times a day

Using anti-bacterial hand sanitizer

Avoiding the sharing of glasses, towels, and utensils

Preventing contact with persons who appear to be sick

Using safety measures during sex

Keeping the surrounding areas clean and disinfected

Applying insect repellant before visiting the outdoors area

Using sunblock and wearing protective clothing before going out in the harsh sun

Taking nutritious meals and drinking plenty of water

Observing the skin regularly and getting consultation from a dermatologist once a year can also help you lessen the chance of developing Petechiae and other skin disorders.

Can babies also get Petechiae rashes?

The condition is similarly common in children as it is in adults. Just like elders, little children can also develop the condition as a result of excessive vomiting, infections, fever, and pressure from diaper.

Since there is no vaccine available to treat Petechiae, parents of young children are advised to ensure they remain in the best of health by providing them with nutritious meals and a clean environment. It is also a good idea to have children inspected regularly by their pediatrician. Moreover, we suggest that you have your child vaccinated for other diseases such as meningitis to reduce the chance of them developing Petechiae.

Final words

Although, Petechiae rashes are not a cause of worry for most individuals, it is always a good idea to be safe than sorry. As discussed above, Petechiae can be a sign of some underlying condition and should not be ignored. The small, pinpoint red dots on skin that may seem mere rashes can become a complicated medical condition. This is why one should be aware of the proper treatment for Petechiae and be ready to contact their health care practitioner incase the skin shows sign of any distress.

Hi, I'm Zuhair Sharif, editor at Health-Livening. We believe in providing people knowledge to make smarter, healthier choices in their lives.
Me and my expert panelists are determined to make our followers feel better and live longer without outrageous restrictive diets or lifestyle changes.